Cover plate adjuster

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover adjustment device having a cover, an adjustment drive for adjusting the cover along an adjustment path from a closed position to an open position, and a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism comprises a crank lever having a first arm and a second arm. The second arm has a guide gap in the longitudinal direction of the second arm, and the first arm has a guide projection which engages into the guide gap. The crank lever comprises a spring element which exerts a force on the crank lever in the case of a closed cover, such that the crank lever exerts a restoring force on the cover in the closing direction, and / or the guide gap has a length L and a width B, L > B, the first arm has a second recess with a width Br2 at a position Pos2 in the longitudinal direction of the guide gap, the guide projection is located in the position Pos2 in the case of a closed cover, Br2 > Br, and the guide projection engages with the second recess in the case of a closed cover, such that the crank lever exerts a holding force and / or a restoring force on the cover in the closing direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cover adjuster having an adjustable cover. Background Technology

[0002] Cover adjusters are mainly used in the automotive field to adjust different covers, such as charging covers or fuel tank covers.

[0003] For example, an electrically driven adjustment actuator can be used as an adjustment actuator for an adjustment cover. These actuators can be coupled directly or via a transmission to different covers. In automotive applications, this could be, for example, a cover for an air conditioning circuit, a fuel tank cap, or a charging cap.

[0004] These covers are typically subjected to external forces, such as vibration and airflow, which can lead to accidental displacement. It is especially important to ensure that the cover remains in its closed position. This can be achieved actively by adjusting the motor of the drive unit; however, this results in continuous stress on the material and increased energy consumption.

[0005] In addition, it is usually necessary to reliably detect when the cover reaches the end position. In particular, it may also be necessary to monitor whether the cover remains in its closed position.

[0006] Therefore, a common problem arises is that even if the adjusting drive is not actively controlled to hold the cover, it should still be ensured that the cover has reached its closed position and remains in that position until the adjusting drive receives a control signal to open the cover. The sensor device used to monitor the closed position should require as little construction space as possible and provide accurate sensor signals throughout its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a low-energy-consumption cover plate adjuster that applies a restoring force or holding force to the cover plate so that the cover plate is held in its closed position.

[0008] The technical problem described herein is solved by a cover plate adjuster.

[0009] A cover adjuster is provided herein, comprising a cover, an adjusting drive, and a hinge mechanism. The adjusting drive is used to adjust the cover from a closed position to an open position along an adjusting stroke. The hinge mechanism includes a crank lever having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is rotatably supported at a first rotation point, the second arm is rotatably supported via a second rotation point, and the first and second arms are rotatably connected to each other at a third rotation point. Here, the second arm has a guide gap along its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the first arm has a guide protrusion engaging with the guide gap, wherein the guide protrusion is movably supported in the guide gap along the longitudinal direction. The crank lever also includes an elastic element that applies a force to the crank lever when the cover is closed, causing the crank lever to exert a restoring force on the cover in the closing direction. Alternatively or additionally, the guide gap has a length L and a width B, wherein L > B, and the first arm has a first recess of width Br1 at a position Pos1 along the longitudinal direction of the guide gap, wherein the protrusion is located in the position Pos1 when the cover is closed, wherein Br1 > Br, and wherein the protrusion at least partially engages with the first recess when the cover is closed.

[0010] Therefore, the crank lever applies a holding force and / or restoring force to the cover plate in the closing direction. In particular, this can apply a continuous holding force and / or restoring force to the cover plate, thereby keeping the cover plate in the closed position and, for example, preventing the cover plate from accidentally opening due to vibration or other external influences.

[0011] The regulating drive device preferably includes an electric motor, such as an electronically commutated motor. The regulating drive device may in particular include at least one brushless DC motor or at least one stepper motor.

[0012] The output of the electric motor can be mechanically coupled to the cover plate, and the adjustment position of the cover plate can be changed by adjusting the drive device. Therefore, the electric motor can be a component of the adjusting drive device, which can further include a transmission device, particularly a reduction transmission device. For example, a reduction in the range of 100:1 to 1000:1 can be achieved by means of one or more transmission stages. This allows a correspondingly larger torque to be transmitted to the cover plate, such torque being, for example, in the range of 0.1 Nm to 10 Nm, particularly 0.2 Nm to 4 Nm.

[0013] The adjustment drive can be configured and designed to move the cover plate from the open position to the closed position along the adjustment stroke, and vice versa. Preferably, the second arm has a second recess of width Br2 at a position Pos2 along the longitudinal direction of the guide gap, where the protrusion is located in position Pos2 when the cover plate is open, wherein Br2 > B. In this design, the guide protrusion engages at least partially with the second recess when the cover plate is open. The protrusion and the second recess cooperate to generate a retaining force and thereby lock the cover plate. To close the cover plate, the retaining force can be overcome by adjusting the drive and the cover plate can be adjusted to the closed position. The retaining force can be, for example, in the range of 0.1N to 20N, especially 0.2N to 1N.

[0014] In some designs, the elastic element is positioned at the guide gap of the second arm and applies a force to the crank lever when the cover is closed, causing the crank lever to exert a restoring force on the cover in the closing direction. When the cover is closed, the elastic element for transmitting force can, in particular, rest against the guide protrusion of the first arm.

[0015] In some designs, the elastic element includes a torsion spring. The torsion spring can be positioned at the second pivot point and generate a force on the second arm, thereby providing a restoring force in the closing direction to the crank lever when the cover is closed. Alternatively, a torsion spring can be positioned at the first pivot point.

[0016] The adjustment stroke may also include a first region B1 and a second region B2, wherein the first region B1 is from the open position P. O Extending to a first position P1, which is located in the open position P of the cover. O and closing position P S Between, and wherein, the second region B2 extends from the first position P1 to the closed position P of the cover plate. S When the cover plate is in the second region B2 of the adjustment stroke, the elastic element preferably applies a restoring force to the cover plate. The elastic element can, for example, be arranged such that it elastically deforms as it adjusts along the second region B2 of the adjustment stroke. Furthermore, from the open position P... O To the closed position P S During adjustment, the guide protrusion of the first arm only contacts the elastic element when it reaches the first position P1. As the closing process continues along the second region, the elastic element can continuously undergo elastic deformation, thus generating a restoring force. Therefore, the elastic element can relax when the cover is opened, and / or when adjusted to the closed position P1. S During the adjustment movement, the elastic element can be compressed.

[0017] The elastic element is preferably arranged at the crank lever such that the maximum elastic deformation of the elastic element occurs at a second position P2 along the adjustment stroke in the second region, wherein the second position P2 is located in the closed position P. S Before. This causes the cover to be in the closed position P. S As the crank lever opens from its starting point until it reaches the second position P2, the elastic force of the elastic element increases. The second position P2 can specifically correspond to the parallel orientation of the crank lever arm.

[0018] This effectively prevents the cover from being accidentally opened due to external influences. After reaching the second position, the elastic element can be further relaxed as the cover continues to open until the first position is reached and the elastic element is fully relaxed again. Therefore, the maximum clamping force of the elastic element can be at the second position, where, in these designs, the elastic element is partially relaxed when the cover is fully closed. Here, the restoring force can be transmitted to the cover along the second region of the adjustment stroke towards the closing direction via a crank lever. In these designs, the cover position is from the second position P2 to the closed position P. S The maximum restoring force can be applied to the cover plate when it is in the cover plate position within the area. The restoring force acting on the cover plate can increase continuously from the first position P1 toward the closing direction.

[0019] To open, the restoring force / elastic force exerted by the elastic element must be overcome by adjusting the drive mechanism accordingly. It can be specified here that the closed position P... S Starting from position P1, a constant or continuously increasing restoring force must be overcome in the second region B2 of the adjustment stroke until the second position P2 is reached. Upon further opening, the elastic force can be further reduced between the second position P2 and the first position P1.

[0020] Furthermore, in some variations, it can be specified that during the opening process, the restoring force becomes reversed at the second position P2, thus the restoring force at the second position P2 and the closed position P... S It acts in the opposite direction to the adjustment drive movement, and acts in the direction of the adjustment movement toward the open position between the second position P2 and the first position P1.

[0021] In the first region B1 of the adjustment stroke, the spring force can be advantageously canceled, for example by completely relaxing the elastic element or decoupling the spring force from the mechanical structure of the crank lever.

[0022] The elastic force of the elastic element can be selected to allow the cover to be opened manually. For example, the elastic element can provide 2N ≤ F. el ≤100N, especially 5N≤F el Force F in the range ≤50N elThe magnitude of the force Fs acting on the cover plate in the closing direction via the crank lever can be 0.2N ≤ F. s ≤10N, especially 0.5N≤F s Within the range of ≤5N. Due to the locking torque of the electric motor and / or due to mechanical resistance, such as transmission friction or transmission self-locking, the cover plate may additionally apply a retaining force F. H Therefore, the holding force F H The sum of the forces Fs acting through the elastic element resists the movement of the cover plate in the direction of the open position. Holding force F H For example, it can have 0.3N≤F H ≤10N, especially 0.3N≤F H Values ​​within the range ≤2N. The total force F to be overcome. sum For example, it can be in the range of 0.4N≤F sum ≤10N, especially 0.5N≤F sum Within the range of ≤5N. Therefore, the user can also manually open the cover, for example, in the event of a malfunction and / or power failure of the regulating drive.

[0023] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the cover plate to be adjusted beyond the closed position in the closing direction within the third region B3. Specifically, it can be specified that when the cover plate is in the third region B3, the resilient element applies a force to the crank lever. Therefore, a restoring force can also be applied to the cover plate in the closing direction within the third region B3. In some designs, a resilient seal is provided between the cover plate and the frame, wherein when the cover plate is adjusted beyond the closed position P... S At this time, the seal is compressed. Here, when the seal is fully compressed, the mechanical end stop is reached, preventing further adjustment in the closing direction. The end stop can be provided, for example, by the frame of the cover plate.

[0024] The cover plate adjuster preferably includes a force sensor, which is arranged on the frame supporting the cover plate and is in the closed position P when the cover plate is in the closed position. S The force sensor is subjected to a force by the cover plate.

[0025] Force sensors may include, in particular, at least one strain gauge (DMS sensor), or at least one piezoelectric sensor, or at least one MEMS (microelectromechanical system) sensor. A force sensor may be designed, for example, as a bending beam. The strain gauge changes its resistance when small deformation occurs. The strain gauge may be designed, for example, as a foil strain gauge, a semiconductor strain gauge, or a multi-strain gauge. Various embodiments may be modified accordingly. The strain gauge may be designed, for example, as a transverse strain gauge, a full-bridge strain gauge, or a Rosette strain gauge.

[0026] In some extended designs of the cover adjuster, a force sensor, such as at least one DMS sensor, is arranged on and securely connected to a spring element. Specifically, it can be specified that the spring element contacts the force sensor in its closed position. The force applied by the cover to the spring element is then transmitted to the force sensor. This allows for very precise force measurement.

[0027] The spring element of the force sensor includes, for example, at least one leaf spring or a bending beam. Within the scope of this invention, the term "leaf spring" should be interpreted broadly, and it can particularly include various elastically deformable metal bending elements, such as leaf springs. The force sensor can then be fixed to the leaf spring or bending beam, for example, by gluing the force sensor to it. The spring element can be designed and arranged such that mechanical deformation, such as flexing, occurs only in one direction. The leaf spring or bending beam can be connected to the frame of the cover adjuster in a first region and can move freely in a second region. Force can then advantageously be transmitted, particularly in only one spatial direction, in the freely movable region. In designs conceived as leaf springs, the maximum flexural capacity of the leaf spring can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, particularly 0.2 mm to 2 mm.

[0028] In some designs, the strain gauges may each comprise a resistor bridge circuit with two bridge branches. In some designs, the force sensor device may also comprise a combination of different strain gauges. The DMS sensor may also include an operational amplifier, wherein a first input terminal of the operational amplifier is connected to a first bridge branch, and a second input terminal of the operational amplifier is connected to a second bridge branch. The output terminal of the operational amplifier, or logic circuitry connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier, can provide a sensor signal output. In some designs, the first or second bridge branch is electrically connected to a digital-to-analog converter or pulse width modulator via a resistor. The resistor may include one or more ohmic resistors, and for example, ohmic resistors ranging from 1k ohms to 100k ohms. In some designs, the high-impedance resistor may be a protective resistor. The resistor is preferably designed such that it is larger than the resistance of each bridge resistor, especially larger than the resistance of the bridge circuit. By combining multiple resistors in series and / or parallel circuits, tolerances can be compensated or the resistance value can be optimally matched to the measurement task. Alternatively, a special digital-to-analog converter with a current output terminal may also be used. This special analog-to-digital converter can also be connected to a bridge circuit without resistors. These solutions are technically equivalent and will not be elaborated here for simplicity.

[0029] DMS sensors can operate in a ticking manner to reduce power consumption. Force detection can be performed, for example, at time intervals. Alternatively or additionally, force measurement or a series of force measurements can be triggered by a wake-up signal.

[0030] DMS sensors can be designed such that the signal swing for the expected force is between 0.2 mV / V and 10 mV / V, particularly between 1 mV / V and 6 mV / V. The differential output voltage of the strain gauge sensor can, for example, be in the range of 1 μV to 500 μV, particularly between 5 μV and 100 μV. DMS sensors with 10 to 12 bits or higher resolution can be digitally converted, for example. By arranging the DMS sensor on a leaf spring or other elastically bending beam with a maximum deflection of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, a reference least significant bit (LSB) value better than 10 can be provided. -3 Resolution of mm / LSB.

[0031] In some designs, the force sensor is arranged on the frame of the cover plate. The cover plate preferably has a protrusion located on its inner side and positioned when the cover plate is in the closed position P. S The protrusion engages with the force sensor when the cover plate reaches the closed position. Therefore, it can detect whether the cover plate is in the closed position. For this purpose, the sensor signal U of the force sensor can be analyzed continuously or at time intervals. SThe system checks whether the cover is in the closed position. For example, the cover is identified as being in the closed position when the sensor signal reaches or exceeds the first sensor threshold VS1. The closed position is identified when the sensor signal is between the first threshold U1 and the second threshold U2, where U2 > U1.

[0032] The cover can be in the closed position P S In these designs where the cover moves further in the closing direction from a starting point, the external force acting on the cover can increase the force acting on the force sensor. The force sensor is preferably designed accordingly to detect the external force acting on the cover or the component supporting the cover when the cover is closed. Therefore, the cover adjuster can function as a switch, which is actuated by pressure applied by the user. With the cover rotatably supported on one side, the cover can be adjusted beyond the closed position, for example, within a range of 0.1° to 5°. Regardless of the cover design, it can be specified that the cover or a region of the cover can be adjusted beyond the closed position by 2mm to 2cm by external force. Movement of the cover can cause the aforementioned protrusion or other components of the cover to press against the force sensor, and the corresponding sensor signal can be detected by the control circuit. During movement in the closing direction, the strain gauge can, for example, undergo further deformation in a third region of the adjustment stroke. Therefore, changes in the switch state can be deduced from changes in the sensor signal.

[0033] The cover can be designed as a pressure switch button, allowing a force sensor to record the pressure applied to the cover when it is closed. For example, operation of the pressure switch can be detected when the sensor signal reaches or exceeds a third threshold U3. Operation can also be detected when the sensor signal is between the third threshold U3 and a fourth threshold U4, where U4 > U3. The third threshold is preferably greater than the first and / or second threshold. U1 is particularly suitable. <U2<U3<U4。

[0034] Therefore, the motor can be controlled and / or adjusted based on the force detected by the force sensor. The motor may be, for example, an electronically commutated motor or a DC motor.

[0035] The cover plate adjuster may further include a force sensor disposed on the cover plate or frame, and a control circuit coupled to the force sensor to exchange sensor data. The control circuit may be specifically configured to detect external forces acting on the closed cover plate using the force sensor. The control circuit may be designed and configured to receive and analyze the sensor data. The control circuit may be specifically configured to detect whether the cover plate is in the closed position. On the other hand, the control circuit may be configured to identify the operation of the switch based on the sensor data from the force sensor. The control circuit may also be specifically configured to change the switching state of the switch according to the detected force.

[0036] Furthermore, the control circuit can be configured to control the motor of the adjustment drive device. In some extended designs of the cover plate adjustment device, the control circuit can be configured to control the cover plate adjuster to open the cover plate when an external force acting on the cover plate or the external member supporting the cover plate is detected while the cover plate is closed.

[0037] In some designs, the control circuitry includes a microcontroller (μC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control circuitry may also include at least one motor driver, such as an H-bridge, B6 bridge, or any number of bridge branches. Furthermore, the control circuitry may be configured to drive and / or regulate the motor using a pulse-width modulator. In some extended designs, multiple motor drivers may be used. The motor, as a regulating drive, can be controlled by the control circuitry to adjust the cover, and a second motor can be controlled to adjust the locking mechanism.

[0038] The control circuit may also include a signal input terminal for receiving sensor signals. This signal input terminal may be, for example, an I / O input of the control circuit's microcontroller or an input of the control circuit's digital-to-analog converter. The force sensor can be coupled to the control circuit via a printed circuit board and / or via a cable connection to provide sensor signals. Furthermore, it may be specified that the control circuit supplies power to the force sensor. For this purpose, the force sensor may be connected to a ground wire provided by the control circuit and to a supplied voltage. In some designs, the force sensor may also be wirelessly coupled to the control circuit to transmit sensor signals to the control circuit. In these designs, a separate power supply for the force sensor can be provided.

[0039] The cover plate may also include a locking device that locks the cover plate in such a way that a force is applied to the force sensor even when locked. During closing, a protrusion of the cover plate may engage with a corresponding element disposed on the frame of the cover plate to lock the cover plate. In some extended designs of the locking device, the protrusion may be designed to be movable and move by means of an adjusting section, thereby activating the lock when the cover plate is closed and unlocking it when the cover plate is opened. The protrusion used to lock the cover plate and the protrusion that applies a force to the force sensor when the cover plate is closed may be the same protrusion.

[0040] In some designs, the cover is designed as a fuel tank cap or charging cap for a motor vehicle. The cover can also be part of an industrial application, such as an industrial robot. The external component can be, for example, part of the vehicle body or the shell of an industrial robot. In particular, the external component can be connected to the cover's frame and arranged such that forces are transmitted through the cover to the frame and ultimately to a force sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1a A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary design of a cover plate adjuster with control circuitry according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 1b A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary alternative design of a cover plate adjuster with control circuitry according to the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary cover adjuster for a motor vehicle is shown in the front view, with the cover in the open position.

[0045] Figure 3a Shown in the rear view Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover adjuster, in which the cover is fully open;

[0046] Figure 3b Show Figure 3a A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover adjuster, in which the cover is partially open;

[0047] Figure 3c Show Figure 3a A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover adjuster, in which the cover is fully closed;

[0048] Figure 4 Showing the corresponding Figure 3c A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover plate adjuster, wherein the carrier component and other components are not shown;

[0049] Figure 5 Showing the corresponding Figure 3c Another perspective view of the cover plate adjuster, wherein the carrier component and other components are not shown;

[0050] Figure 6 Showing the corresponding Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover adjuster, wherein the cover is in the closed state at this point;

[0051] Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cover adjuster is shown when the cover is closed, in which the force sensor is visible;

[0052] Figure 8a A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover plate adjuster is shown, which has an elastic element design as an alternative design scheme for a compression spring;

[0053] Figure 8b A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a cover plate adjuster is shown, which has an elastic element design as an alternative design scheme for a compression spring, wherein the protective plate of the compression spring is not shown;

[0054] Figures 9a to 9e The design of the elastic element as a compression spring is shown as an exemplary design for different positions of the cover plate;

[0055] Figure 10 The design of the elastic element is shown as an exemplary design of an elastic rubber element;

[0056] Figure 11a and Figure 11b This shows the crankshaft in the open position (with the cover open). Figure 11a ) and the position of the cover when closed ( Figure 11b An exemplary design of a crank lever with two recesses;

[0057] Figure 11c The accompanying dimensional data is shown according to Figure 11a and Figure 11b The second arm of the crank lever;

[0058] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the adjustment stroke of the cover plate is provided.

[0059] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry for a force sensor designed as a DMS sensor is shown, the force sensor being used in Figures 1 to 12. Figure 8b Cover plate adjuster;

[0060] Figure 14 An exemplary application of a charging cover for a motor vehicle is illustrated schematically.

[0061] Figure 15 Exemplary variation curves of the sensor signal voltage of the force sensor of the cover plate adjuster according to Figures 1 to 8 as a function of time are shown.

[0062] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for operating a cover plate adjuster is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Exemplary designs of a cover plate adjuster 1 with a control circuit 3 are shown in the schematic diagrams. In both variations, the control circuit 3 is provided, which is connected to an electrically driven adjustment device 5 having a motor 7. The motor may also include an optional transmission device, such as a reduction gear. The control circuit 3 is designed, for example, as a microcontroller and includes a motor driver 9, which is connected to the motor 7 via an output terminal to control the motor. The motor driver 9 may in particular include one or more H-bridges, such as a B6 bridge circuit with six semiconductor switches.

[0064] In addition, bus interface 11 is configured to connect the control circuitry to data bus 12, such as a LIN bus or a CAN bus. Figure 1a In the example, bus interface 11 serves as sensor signal input 13. For example, a force sensor 15, designed as a DMS sensor, is coupled to control circuit 3 via sensor signal input 13. Control circuit 3 also has a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) interface 17, through which switch 19 is connected in this example. Switch 19 can be used to activate or trigger the control function of electrical device 4. Furthermore, control circuit 3 has a wake-up input 20. The wake-up input 20 can be used to wake control circuit 3 from power-saving mode or sleep mode.

[0065] exist Figure 1b The schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary alternative design of the cover adjuster 1, including control circuitry and sensor devices. Besides... Figure 1a In addition to the design shown, control circuit 3 also has another interface. Therefore, control circuit 3 includes an analog input / output terminal (AIN) 21, to which temperature sensor 23 is exemplarily connected. Furthermore, Figure 1b The control circuit 3 includes a second motor driver 25 and a second electrical device 27, which can be controlled and / or regulated by the control circuit. In the example, the second electrical device 27 is an actuator 29, which includes, for example, a second electric motor, a piezoelectric actuator, or a lifting magnet, and is connected to the output of the second motor driver 29.

[0066] also, Figure 1b The control circuit 3 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) device 31 and a second analog input terminal 33. In this example, the second analog input terminal 33 is coupled to a light sensor, for example. The light sensor 35 can be used, for example, to control or adjust the lighting device of the cover adjuster 1, such as the LED device 31. The LED device can be designed, for example, to illuminate the cover. In this embodiment, the control circuit 3 also includes a third analog input terminal 37, which provides a sensor signal input 13 to the force sensor 15.

[0067] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a charging cover adjuster system 101, comprising a cover 103 for a charging socket through which the battery of an electric vehicle can be charged, is shown. The cover adjuster 1 includes a cover 103, which is fixed and supported on a frame 105 and is shown in the open state in this example. An opening 108 is provided in the rear wall 107 of the frame 105, through which the charging socket can be arranged to accommodate a charging plug. Furthermore, a switch 19 is arranged on the rear side of the frame 105; this switch can be designed as, for example, a button, a force sensor switch, or a capacitive switch. A surrounding seal 109 is also provided on the edge of the frame 105 to ensure that moisture is prevented from entering when the cover 103 is closed.

[0068] Figure 3a It shows Figure 2 Another perspective view of the cover adjuster 1 shows views of the inner sides of the cover 103 and the frame 105, respectively. The cover 103 is movably fixed to the frame 105 by means of a hinge mechanism 110 and can be in the open position P. O and closing position P S Adjustments between them. Figure 3a The cover 103 is shown in the fully open position, while Figure 3b The cover is shown in a partially opened position, and... Figure 3c The image shows the fully closed position of cover 103.

[0069] A carrier component 111 is arranged on the frame 105 of the cover plate. This carrier component carries the electrical equipment designed as the adjustment drive device 5, the force sensor 15, and the components of the hinge mechanism 110. The adjustment drive device 5 is arranged in a recess 113 of the carrier component 111. Furthermore, a fastener 115 is fixed to the carrier component 111. This fastener has an opening 117 through which the plug connector 119 of the adjustment drive device 5 is guided. This allows the adjustment drive device 5 to be reliably fixed to the frame 105 of the cover plate 103. The plug connector 119 of the adjustment drive device 5 is connected to a plug 121 arranged on the frame 105 via a wire connection device 123 for connection to an external power source and to receive control signals. The plug 121 can be connected, in particular, to the LIN bus or CAN bus of a motor vehicle. The force sensor 15 is also connected to a plug 125, also arranged on the frame 105, via the wire connection device 123. In the example, the sensor signal is input to the control circuit 3 of the drive device 5 via the electrical contact between plugs 121 and 125.

[0070] Figure 4 It shows the corresponding Figure 3c Cover plate 103 in the closed position P SThe view in the figure, in which the carrier member 111 is not shown, illustrates the hinge mechanism 110. The cover plate 103 is held by a trapezoidal hinge 141, wherein two rotary bearings 143 arranged on the inner side of the cover plate 103 rotatably support the shaft, and wherein the shaft is connected to a first pivot arm 145. Furthermore, the first pivot arm 145 is connected to the output end of the adjustment drive device 5. In this embodiment, the adjustment drive device 5 has an output shaft 147 designed as a hollow shaft, which has coupling devices 148 at each of its two ends for transmitting torque. The housing 149 of the adjustment drive device 5 correspondingly has two opposing openings 150 through which the two coupling devices 148 of the output shaft 147 are coupled to the couplings of the first pivot arm 145.

[0071] The trapezoidal hinge 141 also includes two additional rotary bearings 153 arranged on the inner side of the cover plate 103, which rotatably support the second shaft. The second shaft is connected to two parallel curved pivot arms 155, which are rotatably fixed to the carrier member 111 by means of rotary bearings 157. The fixing of the cover plate 103 to the carrier member 111 enables the opening and closing movements of the cover plate 103. In this example, the cover plate 103 is guided along an arcuate shape that describes the raising of the cover plate 103 and its lateral guidance away from the frame 105.

[0072] Furthermore, in this example, the hinge mechanism 110 includes two crank levers 180 arranged parallel to each other, each having a first arm 183 and a second arm 185. The two first arms 183 are rotatably supported on the carrier member 111 at a first rotation point 186, and are torsionally connected to one of the two curved pivot arms 155. The second arms 185 are similarly rotatably supported on the carrier member 111 at a second rotation point 187. Each of the two first arms 183 also includes a guide protrusion 189 that engages with a guide gap 191 of the corresponding second arm 185, and forms a movable third rotation point 193. In this example, the guide gap 191 also includes a recess 195, which, when the cover is in the closed position P... S Or open location P O When in the middle, the guide protrusion 189 is attached to the recess 195.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, elastic elements designed as torsion springs 197 are also arranged on the crank lever 180. The torsion spring 197 includes spring legs at its two ends, wherein the first spring leg 197a abuts against the protrusion 199 of the second arm 185, and the second spring leg 197b is fixed to the molded portion of the carrier member 111.

[0074] The torsion spring 197 is arranged and designed such that it applies force to the cover plate 103 via the protrusion 199 of the second arm 185 and via the hinge mechanism 110 in the closing direction of the cover plate. Specifically, it can be specified that the elastic force and / or the restoring force acting on the cover plate 103 is directed toward the closed position P. S The direction increases continuously along the adjustment stroke. The torsion spring 197 is in the closed position P as shown. S The medium pressure is compressed / compressed, and a force is generated towards the closed position P. S The force in the direction of the cover plate 103 is applied to keep the cover plate 103 in that position and / or to guide it back to the closed position if the cover plate is partially opened by external force.

[0075] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two perspective views of the inner side of the closed cover 103 are shown, in which the carrier component 111 is not shown. Figure 4 In particular, a protrusion 205 constructed on the first pivot arm 145 is shown, which applies a force to the force sensor 15 when the cover 103 is closed. The force sensor 15 is here designed as a DMS sensor 207, wherein... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The protective plate 209 of the DMS sensor 207 can be seen in the image.

[0076] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view shows the DMS sensor 207, in which, Figure 6 It shows the corresponding Figure 3c A cross-sectional view of the charging cover adjustment system 101, and Figure 7 Only the DMS sensor 207 is shown. The strain sensor 207 includes, in particular, a sensor printed circuit board 211 on which a sensor circuit 213 is arranged. The sensor circuit 213 can be contacted and connected to the control circuit 3 of the adjustment drive device 5 via a plug connection 215.

[0077] A sensor printed circuit board 211 is arranged and fixed to a leaf spring 217. Furthermore, the sensor printed circuit board 211, along with the electronic components disposed thereon, is encapsulated by a casting material 219, such as epoxy resin. This protects the sensor printed circuit board 211 and the electronic components disposed thereon from moisture. The device consisting of the leaf spring 217 and the sensor printed circuit board 211 is arranged on the underside of a protective plate 209. In this example, the leaf spring 217 is rectangular, having a long side and a short side. One end of the long side is connected to the sensor printed circuit board 211, while the other end of the long side is free-standing. The leaf spring 213 is arranged such that the distance A between its free-standing end and the protective plate 209 in a stress-free state is 0.3 mm to 10 mm, particularly 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In this example, the protective plate 209 has a recess on its underside, thereby providing a sufficiently large distance A between the free-standing end of the leaf spring 217 and the protective plate 209. When the cover plate 103 is closed, the leaf spring 217 can come into contact with the cover plate 103, causing a force to be applied to the leaf spring 217, and the leaf spring 217 bends towards the guard plate 209. This also causes the DMS sensor 207 to bend (stretch). Therefore, a change in the sensor signal voltage level occurs at the signal output terminal of the DMS sensor 207. Thus, the change in the sensor signal can be used to detect when the cover plate 103 has reached the closed position P. S and / or the external force F acting on the closing cover 103 ext .

[0078] Figure 8a and 8b An alternative design for the cover plate adjuster 1 is shown, in which a compression spring 301 is used as the elastic element of the crank lever 180. The compression spring 301 is arranged below the cover plate 303 on the second arm 185 of the crank lever 180 (see...). Figure 8a ).exist Figure 8b In the diagram, the guard plate 303 is not shown, thus the compression spring 301 located below it and its arrangement at the second arm 185 can be clearly seen. A fixing protrusion is constructed at the end of the guide gap 191, and one end of the compression spring 301 is fixed to this fixing protrusion. When the cover plate 103 is closed, the other end of the compression spring 301 is approached by the guide protrusion 189, and the compression spring 301 is compressed there.

[0079] Figures 9a to 9e The interaction between the compression spring 301 and the guide protrusion 189 during the closing movement is shown in an exemplary design. Figure 9aThe orientation of the crank lever 180 for a fully open cover 103 is shown. As shown, the compression spring 301 can be designed and arranged such that when the cover 103 is in the first region B1 of the adjustment stroke, the guide protrusion 189 can move freely in the guide gap 191. Upon reaching position P1, the guide protrusion begins to compress the compression spring 301. Figure 9b In a further process, the compression spring 301 can be further compressed along the second region B2 of the adjustment stroke during the closing process until the maximum compression of the compression spring is reached at position P2. Figure 9c The maximum compression of the compression spring 301 corresponds to the parallel orientation of the two arms of the crank lever 180. The compression spring 301 can then be partially relaxed until it reaches its maximum compression. Figure 9d The closed position P shown S This ensures a restoring force that keeps the cover plate 103 in its closed position P. S In addition, this allows the cover plate 103 to be in the closed position P. S A continuous force is applied to the MDS sensor 207 during operation. Therefore, the closed position P of the cover 103 can be achieved using the MDS sensor 207, especially in this design. S Monitoring. If an external force is applied to the cover plate 103, the cover plate can move in the closing direction beyond the closed position P. S In this process, the compression spring 301 further relaxes, yet continues to exert a restoring force in the closing direction. After the external force is removed, Figure 9d The situation recurs, in which the force acting in the direction of closing and the force acting against the direction of closing are in balance.

[0080] Figure 10 Another alternative design for the crank lever 180 is shown, in which an elastic rubber element 311 is arranged at the second arm 185 of the crank lever 180 to provide a restoring force. The elastic rubber element 311 can here act in accordance with the compression spring 301 of the aforementioned design.

[0081] Figure 11a and Figure 11b Another alternative design for the crank lever 180 is shown. The guide clearance 191 of the second arm 185 has a length L and a width Br (see...). Figure 11c Furthermore, the guide gap includes a first recess 321 with a width Br1 at position Pos1 and a second recess 323 with a width Br2 at position Pos2. Therefore, the width of the guide gap increases within the areas of recesses 321 and 323. When the cover 103 is in the open position (… Figure 11aWhen the cover plate 103 is in the closed position, the guide protrusion 189 can particularly abut against the first recess 321. S ( Figure 11b When the cover plate is in its open position, the guide protrusion 189 can rest in the second recess 323. The interaction between the guide protrusion 189 and the second recess 323 provides a restoring force, particularly in the closing direction. Furthermore, the interaction between the guide protrusion 191 and the first recess 321 allows a holding force to act on the cover plate when it is in its open position. Additionally, combinations of the shown variations of the crank lever 180 are also possible. Combinations of any elastic element and a crank lever 180 having one, two, or more recesses are particularly feasible.

[0082] Figure 12 An exemplary adjustment stroke SW is schematically shown. The adjustment stroke SW is from the open position P. O Extend to the closed position P S Furthermore, the adjustment stroke SW includes two regions, B1 and B2. The elastic element applies a restoring force in the closing direction, wherein this restoring force is only effective when the cover plate reaches the closed position P. S The adjustment travel within a portion of the range preceding and / or adjacent to the closed position is not zero. The elastic element, for example, is arranged and designed such that it travels from the open position to the closed position P... S During the closing movement, the restoring force only applies from the point where position P1 is reached, specifically from region B2. For example, region B2 is reached only after 40% to 90% of the adjustment stroke SW. The spring clamping force of the elastic element can increase during further closing movement within region B2, reaching its maximum value at position P2, which is, for example, located within the range of 70% to 100% of the adjustment stroke, where 0% of the adjustment stroke corresponds to the open position P. O And adjusting the stroke to 100% corresponds to the closed position P. S Particularly advantageous is that the maximum spring clamping force of the elastic element is located in the range of 70% to 95% of the adjusting stroke SW. The increasing elastic force in the closing direction resists undesirable opening of the closed cover 103. The maximum value of the elastic force can particularly correspond to the parallel orientation of the first arm 183 relative to the second arm 185. The restoring force acting on the cover 103 via the connecting mechanism 110 or the crank lever 180 can here continuously increase in the closing direction. Alternatively, a restoring force can be applied by the elastic element throughout the adjusting stroke SW, and this restoring force is here directed towards the closed position P. S The direction continues to increase.

[0083] This ensures that even if the adjustment drive device 5 for adjusting the cover 103 is deactivated, the cover 103 can still remain in its closed position P. SIn addition, through external force F ext The function of the cover plate 103 is to allow it to move beyond the closed position P. S In region B3. Region B3 may be defined by an end stop located at position P3. Position P3 corresponds, for example, to a fully compressed seal, such as a fully compressed sealing lip, on the frame 105 of the cover plate 103.

[0084] Figure 13 An exemplary electronic circuit 400 of the DMS sensor 207 is schematically shown. Circuit 400 can be arranged, for example, on the sensor printed circuit board 115 and includes a bridge circuit 401 having four bridge resistors R1 to R4. The input of bridge circuit 401 is connected to the supply voltage V. bat The bridge circuit 401 is connected to ground (GND). To acquire the measurement signal, the first bridge branch 401a is connected to the first input terminal 403a of the operational amplifier 403, and the second bridge branch 401b is connected to the second input terminal 403b of the operational amplifier 403. The output terminal 403c of the operational amplifier 403 is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter 405. The analog voltage value can be converted into a digital signal by the analog-to-digital converter 405. To process the digital signal, the analog-to-digital converter 405 can optionally be connected to the logic circuit 407. Finally, the sensor signal can be provided at the output terminal of the analog-to-digital converter 405 or the output terminal of the logic circuit 407, for example, as shown in Figure 3 and... Figures 3a to 3c The cable shown is connected to input control circuit 3.

[0085] also, Figure 13 An optional extended design for an exemplary sensor circuit is shown: to compensate for voltage offset U off One of the bridge branches, such as the first bridge branch 401a, is connected to the digital-to-analog converter 411 or a pulse width modulator (PWM) via a high-impedance resistor R5. The PWM or the digital-to-analog converter 411 can compensate for the bridge voltage offset U. off This generates a corresponding signal on operational amplifier 403. For example, the offset compensation can be specified to be adjusted so that the voltage applied to operational amplifier 403 is 0V when there is no force on strain gauge 209. A tolerance range, such as + / -10μV, can be specified here. The offset compensation can be dynamic, in particular. This allows for compensation, for example, for temperature variations or aging-based changes in bridge voltage. The resistance value of the high-impedance resistor R5 is, for example, from 100kΩ to 10MΩ. In some designs, resistor R5 can be a protective resistor.

[0086] Finally, a sensor signal can be provided at the sensor signal output terminal 413, and as shown in Figure 3 and Figures 3a to 3cThe cable shown connects to the input control circuit 3. In said example, the sensor signal output terminal 413 is allocated to the output terminal of the logic circuit 407. Alternatively, the logic circuit 407 can be omitted, wherein the function of the logic circuit is assumed by the control circuit 3. The sensor signal output terminal can be provided by the analog-to-digital converter 405.

[0087] Figure 14 shows the application of the cover adjuster 1 for a motor vehicle charging cover. The cover 103 serves herein as a protection plate for a charging device of an electrically driven motor vehicle 501. In order to charge the energy accumulator at a charging station 503, a plug 505 of the charging station is connected to a charging socket of the motor vehicle, which charging socket can be closed by the cover 103. A user, for example, can apply an external force F to the cover 103 by means of a hand 507 ext to trigger a sensor signal of the DMS sensor 207, so that the control circuit 3 controls the adjusting drive device 5 to open the cover 103.

[0088] Figure 15 the graph shown illustrates, for example, the sensor signal voltage U of the DMS sensor 207 in the cover adjuster 1 with an electrically adjustable cover 103 S as an exemplary variation curve as a function of time t.

[0089] at time point t0, the cover 103 is in an open state. When t>t0, the cover 103 is closed by means of the adjusting drive device 5, wherein at t1, a force is applied onto the DMS sensor 207 and increases until time point t2. When the first voltage threshold U1 is reached, it is identified by the control circuit 3 that the cover 103 has reached the closed position P S herein, it can additionally be checked whether the sensor signal voltage U S is within a first voltage range, which first voltage range is defined by the first voltage threshold U1 and a second voltage threshold U2. The second voltage threshold U2 is herein greater than the first voltage threshold U1, such that U1<U2. After identifying that the cover has reached the closed position P S , the adjusting movement of the cover 103 is stopped, that is, the motor 7 of the adjusting drive device 5 is stopped.

[0090] as shown in the figure, it may particularly be advantageous that the cover 103 is in the closed position P SA continuous force is applied to the force sensor 15, which can be maintained, for example, by one of the aforementioned elastic elements. Alternatively or additionally, the force can also be maintained by adjusting the mechanical resistance of the drive unit 5, particularly the transmission resistance, and / or the locking torque of the motor 7. It may also be advantageous to use a self-locking transmission, such as a worm gear electric motor. In some designs, the force can also be generated by means of a locking mechanism, for example, a locking pin. The locking mechanism can, for example, lock the cover plate 103 in the closed state, wherein the locking occurs at the position where the force is applied to the force sensor 15.

[0091] Figure 15 The sensor signal voltage U shown S The curve shows that the voltage increases further starting from time point t3. This increase can be caused, in particular, by external forces. For example, pressure applied by the user can cause the cover 103 to move further away from the closed position P in the closing direction. S The movement can be directed toward another elastic element, such as the rubber seal of the cover plate. Alternatively, the cover plate adjuster can be designed such that an external force acting on the cover plate 103 causes the frame 105 or the component supporting the frame 105 to move or elastically deform, and further transmits the force from the frame or component to the force sensor 15.

[0092] Due to the action of external force, the sensor signal voltage U S It continues to increase until time point t4. Sensor signal voltage U S Here, a comparison can be made with the third voltage threshold U3. If the sensor signal voltage reaches or exceeds the third voltage threshold, the external force can be identified as an operation on the switch. In response to the identified operation on the switch, a control function or an adjustment function can be executed. In particular, it can be specified that, in response to reaching the third voltage threshold, the control adjustment drive device 5 is opened to open the cover plate 103. It can also be specified that the sensor signal voltage U... S Compared to the second voltage range, which is defined by a third voltage threshold U3 and a fourth voltage threshold U4, where U4 > U3. In particular, it can be specified that, for the voltage thresholds, the order is: U4 > U3 > U2 > U1.

[0093] During the opening of the cover, the sensor signal voltage U S The pressure is lowered again (t>t5). Once the cover is opened to the extent that the force no longer acts on sensor 15 (t>t6), the sensor signal voltage U... S It drops back to a low level, such as 0V.

[0094] Figure 16shows a corresponding exemplary method for operating a cover regulator 1 in the form of a flow chart. In a first step S1, a sensor signal (sensor signal voltage U S ) is received by a control circuit 3. This can be done continuously or at intervals, for example. In a second step S2, the sensor signal voltage U S is compared with a first voltage threshold by the control circuit. If the value of the sensor signal voltage U S is greater than the first voltage threshold U1, it is recognized that the cover 103 has reached the closed position. Alternatively, it can additionally be checked whether the sensor signal voltage U S is less than a second voltage threshold U2, that is, whether the sensor signal value is within a first voltage range of U1<U S <U2. If the comparison shows that U1<U S or U1<U S <U2 is satisfied, it is recognized in step S3 that the cover 103 has reached the closed position. When the cover 103 is closed, the control circuit 3 continues to receive the sensor signal and analyzes the sensor signal voltage U S . Here, as described in step S4, the sensor signal voltage U S is compared with a third voltage threshold U3 or compared with a second voltage range defined by the third voltage threshold U3 and a fourth voltage threshold U4. If the comparison shows that U S >U3 or U3<U S <U4, the control circuit 3 recognizes an operation of the switch in step S5, and in response, controls an adjustment drive device 5 to adjust the cover 103 in step S6. In particular, it can be provided that the control circuit 3 controls the adjustment drive device 5 to move the cover position to the open position.

[0095] Furthermore, a method step S7 can be provided, which is used for issuing a fault report when U S <U1 or U S >U4 is detected and / or moving the cover 103 to a safe position or the closed position P S . If the last performed adjustment process is transferring the cover position to the closed position P S and U S <U1 is recognized, in particular the adjustment drive device 5 can be controlled to move the cover 103 in the closing direction. Furthermore, in this case it can be checked whether U S <U1 is satisfied within a predetermined time period, wherein the adjustment drive device 5 is controlled to close the cover 103 only when U S <U1 is satisfied within this time period.

[0096] The voltage, voltage threshold, and range can also be defined or considered in terms of magnitude. Alternatively, other voltage thresholds and voltage ranges can be defined arbitrarily, provided they are technically reasonable.

[0097] Therefore, the closed position P of cover plate 103 can be monitored. S If from the closed position P S If the cover 103 is briefly adjusted in the opening direction due to vibration or other external forces without being corrected by the restoring force of the elastic elements 195a, 195b, the adjustment drive device 5 can be activated and the cover 103 will actively close and / or issue a fault report.

[0098] The embodiments and accompanying drawings described in this invention are for purely illustrative purposes only. Variations in design can be made to the invention without altering its basic functional principles. The scope of protection of the cover adjuster according to this invention is derived solely from the specification.

[0099] List of reference numerals

[0100] 1. Cover plate adjuster

[0101] 3. Control Circuit

[0102] 5. Drive adjustment device

[0103] 7 Electric motor

[0104] 9. Motor driver

[0105] 11 Bus Interface

[0106] 12 Data Bus

[0107] 13 Sensor signal input terminal

[0108] 15 Force Sensors

[0109] 17 GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) Interface

[0110] 19 Switches

[0111] 20 Wake up the input terminal

[0112] 21 Analog Input / Output Terminals (AIN)

[0113] 23 Temperature sensor

[0114] 25 Other output terminals

[0115] 27 Second Electrical Equipment

[0116] 29 Actuators

[0117] 31 Light Emitting Diode Device

[0118] 33 Second Analog Input Terminal

[0119] 35 Light Sensor

[0120] 37 Third analog input terminal

[0121] 39 Other sensors

[0122] 101 Charging Cover Adjustment System

[0123] 103 Cover Plate

[0124] 105 Frame

[0125] 107 Rear Wall

[0126] 108 Opening

[0127] 109 Seals

[0128] 110 Articulated Mechanism

[0129] 111 Carrier Components

[0130] 113 Recess of carrier component

[0131] 115 Fastener

[0132] 117 Opening

[0133] 119 Plug connector

[0134] 121 (on the frame) plug

[0135] 123 line connection device

[0136] 125 (on the frame) plug

[0137] 141 Trapezoidal hinge

[0138] 143 (on the cover plate) Rotary bearing (for supporting pivot arm 145)

[0139] 145 First pivot arm

[0140] 147 Output Shaft

[0141] 148 Output shaft coupling device

[0142] 149 Housing (Adjustment Drive Device)

[0143] 150 Opening of the casing

[0144] 153 Rotary bearing

[0145] 155 Curved pivot arm

[0146] 157 Rotary bearing on carrier component (for bending pivot arm 155)

[0147] 180 crank lever

[0148] 183 First boom

[0149] 185 Second boom

[0150] 186 First Rotation Point

[0151] 187 Second Rotation Point

[0152] 189 Guide protrusion

[0153] 191 Guiding gap

[0154] 193 Third Rotation Point

[0155] 195 concavity

[0156] 197 Torsion Spring

[0157] 197a First Spring Leg

[0158] 197b Second Spring Leg

[0159] 199 Protrusions

[0160] 205 Protrusion

[0161] 207 DMS sensor

[0162] 209 Protective Plate

[0163] 211 Sensor Printed Circuit

[0164] 213 Sensor Circuit

[0165] 215 Plug Connection Part

[0166] 217 Leaf Spring

[0167] 219 Castable Refractory

[0168] 301 Compression Spring

[0169] 303 Protective Plate (Compression Spring)

[0170] 311 Elastic rubber element

[0171] 321 First recess

[0172] 323 Second recess

[0173] 400 circuit

[0174] 401 Bridge Circuit

[0175] 403 Operation Amplifier

[0176] The first input terminal of the 403a operational amplifier

[0177] 403b The second input terminal of the operating amplifier 403

[0178] 403c Output of the 403 operational amplifier

[0179] 405 Analog-to-Digital Converter

[0180] 407 Logic Circuits

[0181] 411 Digital-to-Analog Converter

[0182] 413 Sensor signal output terminal

[0183] 501 Motor Vehicle

[0184] 503 charging station

[0185] 505 plug

[0186] 507 hands

[0187] A distance

[0188] B1 and B2 are areas for adjusting the travel.

[0189] Area B3

[0190] Br width

[0191] Br1 and Br2 widths

[0192] F ext external force

[0193] L length

[0194] GND ground wire

[0195] Pos1 and Pos2 are located along the guide gap.

[0196] P O Open location

[0197] P S Close location

[0198] P1 is positioned along the first position of the adjustment stroke.

[0199] P2 along the second position of the adjustment stroke

[0200] Position of P3 end stop

[0201] Bridge resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4

[0202] R5 High Impedance Resistor

[0203] SW Adjust travel

[0204] S1 to S6 Method Steps

[0205] Time points from t0 to t6

[0206] U S Sensor signal voltage

[0207] U1 First Voltage Threshold

[0208] U2 Second Voltage Threshold

[0209] U3 Third Voltage Threshold

[0210] U4 Fourth Voltage Threshold

[0211] U off Voltage offset

[0212] U ref Reference value of sensor signal voltage

[0213] V bat Supply voltage

Claims

1. A cover plate adjuster (1) comprising a cover plate (103), an adjustment drive device (5), and a hinge mechanism (110), the adjustment drive device being used to move the cover plate (103) along an adjustment stroke (SW) from a closed position (P) S Adjust to the open position (P) O ),in, The hinge mechanism (110) includes a crank lever (180) having a first arm (183) and a second arm (185), wherein the first arm (183) is rotatably supported on a first rotation point (186) on the carrier member (111), the second arm (185) is rotatably supported on the carrier member (111) via a second rotation point (187), and the first arm (183) and the second arm (185) are rotatably connected to each other at a movable third rotation point (193). The second arm (185) has a guide gap (191) along the longitudinal direction of the second arm (185), and the first arm (183) has a guide protrusion (189) that engages with the guide gap (191), wherein the guide protrusion (189) constitutes the third rotation point (193) and is movably supported in the guide gap (191) along the longitudinal direction; The crank lever (180) includes an elastic element that applies a force to the crank lever (180) when the cover plate (103) is closed, causing the crank lever (180) to exert a restoring force on the cover plate (103) in the closing direction. And / or wherein the guide gap (191) has a length L and a width Br, wherein L>Br, and the second arm (185) has a second recess (321) of width Br2 at a position Pos2 along the longitudinal direction of the guide gap (191), wherein the guide protrusion (189) is located in the position Pos2 when the cover (103) is closed, wherein Br2>Br, and wherein the guide protrusion (189) engages at least partially with the second recess (321) when the cover (103) is closed, such that the crank lever (180) applies a holding force and / or a restoring force to the cover (103) in the closing direction.

2. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate adjuster (1) includes an adjustment drive device (5) with an electric motor (7).

3. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a spring element or an elastic plastic element (311).

4. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second arm (185) has a first recess (323) of width Br1 at a position Pos1 along the longitudinal direction of the guide gap (191), wherein the guide protrusion (189) is located in the position Pos1 when the cover (103) is open, wherein Br1>Br, and the guide protrusion (189) engages at least partially with the first recess (323) when the cover (103) is open.

5. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The elastic element is arranged on the second arm (185) and applies force to the guide protrusion (189) when the cover plate (103) is closed, causing the crank lever (180) to exert a restoring force on the cover plate (103) in the closing direction.

6. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The adjustment stroke (SW) includes a first region (B1), the first region being from the open position (P) O The cover (103) extends to a first position (P1), wherein the first position (P1) is located in the open position (P1) of the cover (103). O ) and closing position (P S Between, and wherein, the adjustment stroke (SW) includes a second region (B2) extending from the first position (P1) to the closed position (P) of the cover plate (103). S The elastic element does not apply force to the crank lever (180) when the cover plate is in the first region (B1) of the adjustment stroke (SW), and applies force to the crank lever (180) when the cover plate is in the second region (B2) of the adjustment stroke (SW).

7. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a compression spring (301), wherein the compression spring (301) is arranged on the first arm (183) or the second arm (185) of the crank lever (180) and applies a force to the crank lever (180) such that the crank lever (180) exerts a restoring force on the cover plate in the closing direction when the cover plate (103) is closed.

8. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a torsion spring (197), wherein the torsion spring (197) is arranged at a first rotation point (186) of the first arm (183) or at a second rotation point (187) of the second arm (185) and applies a force to the first arm (183) or the second arm (185) such that the crank lever (180) acts a restoring force on the cover in the closing direction when the cover (103) is closed.

9. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The torsion spring (197) has a first leg (197a) at one end, the first leg being held or fixed to the frame (105) of the cover plate (103), and wherein the torsion spring (197) has a second leg (197b) at the other end, the second leg abutting against the first arm (183) or the second arm (185) of the crank lever (180).

10. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The torsion spring (197) is arranged at a first rotation point (186) of the first arm (183), wherein the first arm (183) has a retaining protrusion (199), or the torsion spring (197) is arranged at a second rotation point (187) of the second arm (185), wherein the second arm (185) has a retaining protrusion (199), and wherein the second leg (197b) abuts against the retaining protrusion (199) to transmit the elastic force to the crank lever (180).

11. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover plate is adjustable to a third region (B3), wherein the third region (B3) is from the closed position (P) S Extending in the closing direction beyond the closing position (P) S When the cover plate (103) is located in the third region (B3), the elastic element applies a force to the crank lever (180) so that the cover plate (103) is subjected to a restoring force in the closing direction.

12. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, A resilient seal (109) is arranged between the cover plate (103) and the frame, and the cover plate (103) is adjusted beyond the closed position (P). S When the seal (109) is compressed.

13. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The cover plate adjuster (1) includes a force sensor (15) arranged on a frame (105) supporting the cover plate (103) and in the closed position (P). S When the force sensor is subjected to a force by the cover plate (103), the force sensor is subjected to a force.

14. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The force sensor (15) is arranged on the frame (105) of the cover plate (103), and the cover plate (103) has a protrusion (205) arranged on the inner side of the cover plate (103) and when the cover plate (103) is in the closed position (P). S When the force sensor (15) is in contact with the force sensor (15).

15. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The cover plate (103) and the force sensor (15) are arranged relative to each other such that, from the closed position (P) S When the cover plate (103) is further adjusted in the closing direction, the force acting on the force sensor (15) increases.

16. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that, The force sensor (15) includes at least one strain gauge (207), at least one piezoelectric sensor, or at least one MEMS sensor.

17. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The force sensor (15) is arranged on and securely connected to the spring element, wherein the cover plate (103) is in the closed position (P). S The spring element is contacted in the cover plate (103), and the force exerted on the spring element by the cover plate (103) is transmitted to the force sensor (15).

18. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 17, wherein, The cover plate adjuster (1) includes a force sensor (15) disposed on the cover plate (103) or the frame and a control circuit coupled to the force sensor (15) to exchange sensor data. The control circuit (3) is characterized in that it is configured to receive and analyze the sensor data, and further configured to compare the sensor data with a first threshold (U1) and identify the closed position (P) of the cover plate (103) based on the comparison. S ).

19. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The force sensor (15) can detect the external force acting on the closed cover (103), wherein the control circuit (3) is configured to change the switching state of the switch (19) according to the detected force.

20. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The control circuit (3) is configured to detect an external force (F) when the cover is closed. ext When the cover adjuster (1) is activated, the cover plate adjuster (1) is controlled to open the cover plate (103).

21. The cover plate adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The cover is a charging cover or fuel tank cover for a motor vehicle (501).

Images